How to Make a Doll Hair Bow - Korker Hair Bow for 18" Doll

Make a Cute Curly Hair Bow for a Doll with Ribbon!

In this fun and easy tutorial, learn how to create an adorable ribbon hair bow perfect for a favorite 18" doll! This hair bow is made with ribbons that have been twisted into tight spirals called korkers.

Don't stop at one for just your doll. Make a full-size one for your child, too, with this tutorial by Hair Hardware.

This project is ideal for crafters of all ages and skill levels. It's a great way to personalize your doll's accessories and can also be a fun activity to share with kids. Plus, these miniature bows make delightful gifts for doll lovers!

It's perfect for any 18-inch doll, such as American Girl, Our Generation, Journey, Playtime by Emmie, My Life As, and New Adventures Styles dolls.

Learn more about making a DIY ribbon hair bow by watching our video, or keep reading this post with step-by-step instructions complete with photos.

WHAT YOU NEED to make a diy hair bow

• 16 - 2 1/2" lengths of korker ribbon 
• 2" French barrette
• Tapestry needle (Purchase at Amazon or Michaels)
• Embroidery floss
• Scissors (Amazon or Michaels)
• Fray Check (Amazon or Michaels)
• Hot glue gun and glue (Amazon or Michaels)

INSTRUCTIONS for making doll hair ribbon

STEP 1: Make korker ribbon 

You can make your own korker ribbon using the video link below, or purchase already-made korker ribbon from Amazon.com.

Hair Hardware has a great video on how to make korker ribbon, as well as a child-size version of a korker hair bow.

For the doll hair bow, cut the korker ribbon into 2 1/2 inch pieces. You will need 16 pieces of ribbon.

This ribbon will tend to fray at the ends, making the bow look messy. To prevent this, use a lighter or a match and lightly melt the ends of the ribbon to seal them. Fray Check can also be used.

Step 2: Thread the embroidery needle

Take the nice length of six strands of embroidery floss and thread on a large needle. Be sure to use all strands of the floss so it doesn't break when pulling the ribbons together. Tie a knot 4" up from the end of the embroidery floss.  We want some extra length at the end to tie it off later.

Step 3: Thread the korker ribbons

Lay the korker ribbons on the table in the order you'd like to thread them on the needle.  Take one piece of the korker ribbon and pierce it in the middle with the needle. Continue to add the ribbons onto the needle, varying the colors as you like.

Keep all of the threaded ribbons on the needle for now.

Once all of the korker ribbons are on the needle, push them off the needle and onto the floss. The knot at the end of the floss is there to make sure you don't accidentally push the ribbon off the floss.

The needle is no longer necessary, so unthread the floss from the needle. Bring the two ends of the floss together and make a knot.

Make sure the ribbons all face upwards together and tie two or three more knots. Cut the floss at the end of the knots. Now the basic bow is complete. Fluff it and move the korker ribbons around so they look nice to you. The ribbons tend to coil up together, so it will be necessary to untwist some of the ribbons.

Step 4: Hot glue the bow to the barrette

Important Note: Children should be supervised when using the hot glue. Place hot glue along the top of the barrette. Place the bow on the glue, ensuring a ribbon is attached along the barrette to keep the barrette and bow together. The ribbons will hide the barrette.

To make a bow for a child:

To make a bow to match for a child, use 27 lengths of ribbon in 9 colors, cut at 3" lengths. The technique for making the child-sized bow is the same as that of the doll-sized bow.

To hold your bows, make this beautiful ribbon bow holder!  You may also want to make this loopy hair bow for your 18" doll.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial showing how to make a DIY korker hair bow for an 18" doll. Matchy, Matchy! Make a bow for your child to match!

more hair accessories

• Headband: Make a spool knitted head band for a child.
• Crochet Hair Accessories: Make headbands, clips, and bows with crochet
• Braided Hair Ribbon: Bring back the 80's look with this retro hair ribbon barrette.
• Ribbon Hair Bow: Make this loopy ribbon hair bow.
• Scrunchie: Use this tutorial to sew up some hair scrunchies.